Tirupati’s megalithic burial sites in a state of neglect

Source: The post is based on the article “Tirupati’s megalithic burial sites in a state of neglect” published in The Hindu on 15th November 2022

What is the News?

Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh is said to have the largest collection of anthropomorphic burial sites.

What are Anthropomorphic sites?

Anthropomorphic sites are those marked by a representation of human form above the megalithic burials.

Most of these sites are in a state of neglect, with neither the government nor the local residents caring to protect what could become a cherished heritage.

What are the most prominent Anthropomorphic sites?

Pillared Dolmen: It is a megalithic site found at Mallayyagaripalle, nestling on a hillock between Chandragiri and Dornakambala, in Tirupati. The structure is locally referred to as ‘Pandava Gullu’ or ‘Pandavula Banda’ in memory of the Pandavas and is estimated to be 2,500 years old.

Devara Yeddhu: It is an endangered megalithic monument in Palem village near Kallur, which resembles a bull’s horn. The site has suffered repeated damage due to clandestine excavation by treasure hunters.

What are Megaliths?

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What are the different types of Megaliths?

Dolmen: This is a type of megalith which is made in a single chamber tomb, usually consisting of three or more upright stones supporting a large flat horizontal capstone. 

​​Cairn: A Cairn is a human-made pile of stones, often in conical form. They are usually found in uplands, on moorland, on mountaintops or near waterways.

Cist: A cist or kist was used as encasements for dead bodies. It might have associations with other monuments. 

Menhir: A Menhir is a stone Monolithic standing vertically. It could also exist as part of a group of similar stones. They have different sizes with uneven and square shapes, often tapering towards the top.

Stone Circle: A Stone Circle is a monument of standing stones arranged in a circle usually dated to the megalithic period.